Fact Check: The tentative agreement reached by SAG-AFTRA and video game companies includes wage increases of over 24 percent for performers.

Fact Check: "The tentative agreement reached by SAG-AFTRA and video game companies includes wage increases of over 24 percent for performers."

What We Know

The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently reached a tentative agreement with major video game companies, concluding a nearly year-long strike that began in July 2024. This agreement includes significant provisions aimed at protecting performers' rights, particularly concerning the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the industry. Notably, the deal specifies "historic wage increases of over 24% for performers" (NPR) and also enhances health and safety protections (AP News).

The agreement was described as a crucial step for performers, reflecting their contributions to the video game industry. SAG-AFTRA's national executive director, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, emphasized the importance of the deal, stating that it establishes necessary "guardrails" against AI's unregulated use, which has been a major concern among performers (WQLN).

Analysis

The claim regarding the wage increases is supported by multiple credible sources. NPR and AP News both confirm that the agreement includes wage increases exceeding 24% for performers, which aligns with statements made by SAG-AFTRA representatives (NPR, AP News). The agreement's details were highlighted by Audrey Cooling, a spokesperson for the video game producers, who reiterated the historic nature of these wage increases (WQLN).

The reliability of these sources is strong. NPR is a well-respected news organization known for its thorough reporting, while AP News is a reputable wire service that provides news to various outlets. Both sources have covered the story extensively, ensuring that the information presented is accurate and corroborated by multiple parties involved in the negotiations.

Furthermore, the information is consistent across various reports, including those from Hollywood Reporter and other outlets, which also mention the wage increases and the broader implications of the agreement for performers in the video game industry (Hollywood Reporter).

Conclusion

The claim that the tentative agreement reached by SAG-AFTRA and video game companies includes wage increases of over 24% for performers is True. This conclusion is based on multiple credible sources that confirm the specifics of the agreement, including the substantial wage increases and additional protections for performers.

Sources

1. SAG-AFTRA reaches deal with video game companies that ends video game ...
2. 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike
3. Striking video game performers reach a tentative deal | AP News
4. Performers and video game companies reach deal that ends ...
5. Performers and video game companies reach deal that ends nearly year ...
6. SAG-AFTRA and Video Game Employers Reach Tentative ...
7. SAG-AFTRA video game strike officially suspended after tentative ... - MSN
8. SAG-AFTRA Suspends Strike Against Video Game ...